I arrived at Kristiansand on Monday afternoon, and have since done 250km along towards Stavanger. This has worked out at 4,500m of climbing. Without spending lots of money (relative to the UK), has anyone got any tips on what/where to buy in a 'nutritous' food sense? I've always found it pretty easy to pick up chicken-based sandwiches/meals in the lower parts of Europe (chicken appears to work well for my legs). But it's proving quite difficult in Norway (as it did last time I was here), and I'm struggling to find pre-cooked protien-type foods. Restaurants are out of the question (I'm camping/wild-camping to avoid spending too much). I have a one-pot stove, and have been doing egg noodles with a tin of tuna. Just wondered if anyone had some great insight into eating to keep the legs going ? or the lowest price you ended up paying for something reasonable?

Not pre-cooked but if you can get them both lentils and couscous have good protein. Lentils you can presoak so they cook faster and cous cous can be made with cold water, just stick in flavouring and the cous cous itself and leave for at least 45 minutes. If you have a spare empty water bottle it can be a good temporary cous cous maker =)

Might also be worth looking for vegetarian meat alternatives? Probably won't solve the pre-cooked part but you're at least much less likely to have problems from undercooking it!!

To cook cous cous quickly, simply pour boiling water over it, about twice the volume, and leave to stand for 4 mins, when all water is absorbed. Mix in powdered soup or herbs before hand for flavouring.

Hi FarOeuf, Felt compelled to point out that neither cous cous nor broccoli contain much -if any -protein. You might have clocked that already! Yes to lentils and beans - I'd buy pre-cooked if possible tho, cans, jars, or ideally sachets.. they can take a long time to cook.Imho you'll still want some quality animal protein too. (I like the salmon suggestion.)Have fun out there! Helen (ex-vegan)

I would also recommend fish (there's more than tuna for variety) The cheapest will be frozen and tinned stuff. In tinned, look for 'Stabbur'. The mackrel in tomato sauce isn't too bad (it needs bread or something to go with it). Fresh bread is good, and easy to come by in Norway, so you can buy bread and various things to go on it, and make your own sandwiches.

Frozen meats, I think you could buy, and let it thaw as you ride, as long as it is in a well sealed bag. Then, it will be ready for cooking at the end of a day.

The best quality fish will come from the boats, and sometimes you can get a bargain, as well. If you are near a harbour towards the end of a day, ask the locals if there is a place nearby to meet the fishing boats.

Another possibility is packet soups. They tend to be of somewhat better quality and variety in Norway, as tinned soups are less common. I prefer them mixed in with some pasta or rice, and maybe a tin of beans, depending on the soup.

“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

it's route 13 from Voss up to Vik. Quite a long climb, and a long plateau too. I've just hit a dead-end though, as the next section of route 13 (Gaularfjellet) isn't open for another 2 days. it seems, because of tunnels, a bus is the only way out of the Balestrand area.

Norway is proving quite a challenge, as much for logistics and morale (dead-ends are not fun) as anything to do with climbing.

EDIT: I've followed route 13 up from Tau (Stavanger), and it's been a fantastic road. Not too many lorries (I guess with the RoRo's it's a poor transit route).

If you can, take ferries. They are the normal cyclists' alternative on the west coast & can be quite fun. I think that if you do some research a day or two in advance, it will be easier. Ask local cyclists. Norwegians themselves will seldom say anything to fellow cyclists, or stop to chat, but they are normally happy to help someone who asks. Norwegians are quite independent and tend to take the attitude that if you don't ask for help, you don't need it.

I don't know the Balestrand area, so I can't help with details there. But in general, mountain routes are not, or may not be open this time of year, except to skiers. My favorite bike route just had a huge ski race on it last weekend!